It looks like I was able to get another chapter done over my break. I hope that makes you guys happy! XxDoCxX, I've really been appreciating your reviews. Lots of people tell me that they like the story, but they don't tell me what I could change. Thanks for your critiquing, and please keep it up!

Disclaimer: I know, I know...I don't own Jimmy Neutron...

Chapter 4: Cindy Takes the Lead

"Look, I'm an adult, and I really can handle things on my own," Cynthia spoke up. "You both should probably just go on home and forget this ever happened. I am completely capable of straightening this situation out by myself."

"There's your answer. Let's go," Jimmy urged Cindy.

"No," Cindy said firmly. This was great, just great. He could tell that she really had her mind set on this, which was something he'd feared. Who knew how long they'd be stuck in the future now, with Cindy wanting to repair the broken relationship? "I already said we're staying here until I work this out, and that's what I plan on doing. Seeing how you could be so uncaring, Jimmy, you can just relax and let me handle all the tough work. I don't mind. It's not like you've ever been a genius socially, anyway."

The last statement caught Jimmy off guard. Oh, he could see where she was getting at now. She knew he wouldn't be able to resist a challenge like that. No, now he had to prove her wrong; otherwise he wouldn't be able to live it down. "I don't think so, Vortex," Jimmy replied. "You could never accomplish this without me, and you know that." He glanced at his nails. "You wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for me, remember?"

Cindy rolled her eyes and smiled. She'd been expecting that kind of prideful remark from the stuck up boy genius. Oh, well…as long as she got what she wanted, that was what counted. "So, I think I'm ready to go talk some sense into James now," Cindy decided. "You coming?"

Jimmy glanced at Cynthia, and then back at Cindy. "Uh, I don't know…," he said uneasily, unable to make up his mind. He wanted to be there when James explained everything to Cindy, but he also couldn't help being attracted to his future wife. She was a whole lot nicer to him than the 11-year-old Cindy was.

Cindy immediately sensed what was going on, and became aggravated. "Oh, please, don't tell me you're in love with the older version of me. That is so pathetic." She rolled her eyes to complement the statement. This seemed to do the trick.

"You're the pathetic one, Vortex. Like I'd really ever be in love with you, older or not," Jimmy shot back. "I'd much rather spend time with my brilliant self. Let's go." At this remark, Cynthia shot him a mock look of hurt feelings. Jimmy, not realizing she was faking, added, "No offense, Cynthia. I really do like you."

Cindy rolled her eyes once more, while Cynthia and Libby laughed. "Oh, it's OK, Jimmy. I understand," Cynthia replied sweetly.

"Somebody please gag me!" Cindy cut in dramatically. "A 20-year-old flirting with an 11-year-old…talk about sickening!"

"What? I'm not flirting!" This time is was Cynthia's turn to roll her eyes. "Look, Cindy, we all know you like him, but you're just taking it too far now."

"I do not like Jimmy Neutron!" Cindy exclaimed, infuriated.

"Whatever, girl," Libby commented. "Tell me again why you're married to him?"

Cindy's face turned bright red. "Ask her, not me!" she retorted, motioning to Cynthia. "She's the one that married that—that—cheater!"

Cynthia went pale, and she was stunned to silence. Libby looked at Cindy scornfully. "If you knew how much she was in love with him, you never would o' said that," Libby scolded.

"If she really is in love with him that much, then why won't she believe him?" Jimmy retorted. Instantly guilt swept over him again. When would he learn to think before he spoke?

"Seeing that you two can't keep your mouths shut, why don't you just go talk to James and leave Cynthia alone for right now?" Libby told them. It sounded like more of a command than a suggestion.

"No, I'll tell him," Cynthia cut in. She turned to look at Jimmy. "You see, deep down inside, I'd always been afraid that James never really loved me. After a while, I got over that...but I was still afraid that if Betty tried anything, he wouldn't be able to resist her. I mean, we'd always had a rocky relationship, and look at the way you fawn over Betty now. Why should it be different with James?"

"Perhaps because James is a mature adult," Jimmy replied sensibly. "He made a lifetime commitment to you, Cynthia, and he plans on keeping it."

"If that were true," Cynthia began, "then can you tell me why he hasn't even tried to come after me, like you did with Cindy?"

"He tried his hardest to keep you from leaving!" Jimmy exclaimed. "He's given up hope, and he doesn't see the point in trying anymore. In fact, it looks to me that he doesn't even see the point in anything anymore. The way he sees it, life's not worth living unless he's with you. I'm surprised he hasn't killed himself by now."

"That's a nice little answer, Jimmy, but I'm afraid I can't believe it," Cynthia sighed. "I'm sure James is thrilled that he's finally gotten the girl of his dreams. As if he'd really commit suicide over me."

"You know what?" Jimmy said, annoyed at Cynthia's response. "I think James was right. There is no point in trying. You're way too stubborn."

Cynthia's mouth dropped open. "Excuse me? He's the stubborn one! All I want is for him to apologize, but James never wants to admit his mistakes. Never."

Cindy shifted uncomfortably. "I still think there's no harm in trying," she spoke up. "Jimmy and I will go talk to him and see if we can work something out. Right, Jimmy?"

He shrugged. "Whatever."